10/27/2012

National Grid Makes Changes to Storm Response

The predicted arrival of Hurricane Sandy will be the first major test for the utility companies’ new procedures that were borne out of the response of Tropical Storm Irene and an October snowstorm last year. Much of the state, and Plainville in particular, spent days without power after both storms. National Grid, the utility which powers Plainville, was soundly criticized. The legislation even took action and passed a new Consumer Protection Bill that put new requirements on utilities, as well as establishing fines for an inadequate response to a crisis.

One change is around communication. Now, utilities are required to provide a community liaison to interface with local officials. One of the biggest challenges facing towns was the exchange of information between emergency response crews and the utilities companies. “I think National Grid has made a significant effort to try and keep us informed now, and try to make sure the path we contact them is clear,” says Plainville Chief Theodore Joubert “Communication is where we failed last year.”

Joubert remembers trying to reach National Grid because power lines had fallen cutting off streets, putting the people in those neighborhoods at significant risk. “We called it in and didn’t get any response initially,” he explains. “I was told they were on their way but no one came until very late at night. One hand didn’t know what the other was doing.”

Joubert adds, “It was frustrating but I believe National Grid is stepping up their efforts.”

The lack of coordination got so bad that both State Representative Dan Winslow and State Senator Richard Ross needed to make regular calls. “That should not have been necessary,” says Ross.

National Grid says it has improved its damage assessment process and will have a better understanding of its employee assignments during a storm and the restoration period. National Grid also says it has expanded its contractor relationships to bring in additional resources faster.

Winslow has seen improvements but more could be done he believes. “Things are better than they were and not as good as they could be,” he said.

He agrees that the communication piece should be better but wants to see continued improvements around clearing trees from power lines and maintenance of the power infrastructure. “It is better to avoid the problems in the first place,” he says.

Most everyone agrees that the changes are good in theory, but the test will be an actual emergency. Hurricane Sandy has the potential to be just that test.